Laser fast.

If you ask Giordana what 2013 means, you'll most likely hear 'fabrics' belted right back at you. Giordana isn't kidding. We've already seen the venerable FormaRed Carbon series touting a veritable laundry list of materials, and now, the same has been done to the Laser Compression Bib Shorts. New for this year, Giordana has placed a focus on its compressive efforts, and while it was at it, the formerly FormaRed-exclusive carbon has also been incorporated. Now, with more similarities than differences, the Laser is reconsidering playing second-fiddle to its older brother.

Giordana uses its patented Moovix fabric for the much of the Laser's shorts construction. This material has an engineered omni-directional elasticity, which promotes complete freedom of movement. Don't worry, we understand that this is a rarity for compressive pieces. However, the moderate denier of Moovix naturally promotes a positive blood circulation to the heart, meaning that the more blood you can move to your muscles, the better your output and recovery will be. And while Giordana stakes the claim that Moovix will increase muscle output by 12%, we find that its most vital characteristics involve the inhibiting of muscle of oscillation from road vibration -- a common component to early onset fatigue.

Moving to the inner legs and seat panel, Giordana placed an even stronger fabric called Zaffiro. This material is a certified Power Lycra with a composition weight of 200g/m2. But, unlike Moovix, Zaffiro features a purposefully denser weave with Giordana's SUPER 40 construction technology. This guarantees a continuation of Moovix's aforementioned characteristics, only with a higher level of durability and friction-reduction at the highest points of saddle abrasion. Around the area of the core, the Laser utilizes Kite mesh panels in order to effectively regulate your core temperature. Additionally, Giordana placed its new Ametista fabric around the waist as part of its Core Contour System. Again, we see a return of 200g/m2 Lycra, only now, Ametista is characterized by its woven-in carbon threads -- it puts the 'Carbon' in 'FormaRed Carbon.' With the carbon filament, material stretch is controlled, but not just in the supportive sense. Basically, the carbon reinforces the honeycomb-knit Lycra, making it lighter, yet stronger, and allowing it universally stretch in all directions, not just four-way. Additionally, the carbon fiber blocks out static and rogue atmospheric electrical interference for an increased anaerobic output and a delayed onset of fatigue.

As for the fit, the Laser benefits from Giordana's innovative contoured cut. Essentially, the bib shorts are created on a curve in order to clone your body in the cycling position. By doing this, abrasion is minimized, and fabric bunching and pinching is eliminated. To secure this position, Giordana incorporated its MicroQuad bib straps and LoPro 45 leg cuffs. MicroQuad features a differentiated stretch that anatomically regulates flexibility and movement. Additionally, this microfiber is highly-breathable and an efficient transporter of moisture. At the cuffs, the new AeroLite design uses a wide, low-profile cuff that holds strong while maintaining an aerodynamic presence. And for further comfort, the entirety of the bib shorts have been constructed with four-needle flatlock stitched seams.

The bib shorts' chamois is one that Giordana touts as being the most advanced in the industry -- the Cirro O.F.. We don't deal in absolutes, but we can say that it's the first chamois we've heard of with Aloe Vera particles directly infused into the threads of the microfiber. Aloe is not only a natural bacteria fighter, but its implementation in the fiber provides a cooling effect that protects and heals during activity. Below the skin layer, the Cirro has a 4mm-thick pad of waffled-texture expanding memory foam. The texture aids in ventilation by moving moisture to the perimeter of the chamois where accelerated evaporation can occur. The final layer of the chamois is a thick section of hand-sewn open cell padding with recessed channels for pressure relief. These technologies amount to a chamois that won't get wet and nasty 100 miles into a ride, let alone 20.

The Giordana Laser Compression Bib Shorts are available five sizes from Small to XX-Large and in the colors Black and Black/white.

Here's what others have to say...

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See-thru in back

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:
True to size

Got a recommendation for these and liked them. Chamois was great for my maiden 70 mile ride. Unfortunately my riding buddies informed me during that ride that they could see way too much of my anatomy when drafting behind me. I've noticed other bibs like that, but usually they are not new. I guess in the manufacturers' quest for light and cool, this is a potential pitfall.

Straps seemed a little tight when standing, but felt fine when riding. Possibly runs a bit small, but probably just the compression that made it seem that way to me.

Comment on kno3939044's review:

Great set of bib shorts!

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

These shorts really fit and perform perfectly for me. There really is a difference between low and high-end shorts that is hard to define, but can definitely be felt. From reading other reviews and experience with other brands, I wasn't sure what size would work best, but at 5'11" and 160lbs the Large fits perfectly. The straps, being wide and soft, feel especially good. I bought a pair of Castelli Enduro X2 bibs last year in a Large and, while the shorts fit snugly, the straps still feel a bit too tight.

On the bike, everything is just right when in riding position, and the pad certainly feels like it would be comfortable even for a day-long ride.

The only minor issue is that I wish the leg grippers fit a little more tightly, but to be honest, for a cyclist I have fairly skinny legs (distance runner's build).

Comment on dar1940306689's review:

Beautiful Bibs but "Comfort" Sized

Familiarity:
I returned this product before using it

Fit:
Runs large

These are the most beautifully-designed bibs I've seen with a unique ventilated "lay-flat" strap system that sits wide (i.e., not on top of my nipples). However, the sizing is a bit off. I am 5'5", 130lbs with a 29" waist. Unfortunately, even though the size Small is supposed to be for a 25"-28" waist, the fit is fairly loose and hardly feels compressive (even though I have big thighs). The straps even feel loose out of the box! I'd call these a "comfort" fit like the Assos T.cento_S7 (vs. the "race" fit T.equipe_S7, Castelli's, Pearl P.R.O.'s...), so buy accordingly!

Comment on ira.goldsc1527338's review:

Finest pair I own

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Although my first pair started fraying at the chamois after less than a year, I must admit these are the most comfortable and form fitting bib shorts I've ever owned. I'm a long distance guy (not built for speed) and the shorts hold up well even over 100 miles at a time. I'm 5'10" and 190lbs and buy the XL. A bit long (just above the knee), but the straps hold everything up snugly and comfortably. The fabric provides a nice amount of compression that invigorates the legs, but never holds moisture. The chamois feels like butter and doesn't span out (like a diaper) as I've experienced with a few other brands I've tried (Craft). Other than the premature fraying on the edges of the chamois, I'm totally sold on these for comfort and performance.

Comment on yourDisplayName's review:

Giordana Fusion Mens Bibshort

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

These have to be the nicest shorts of all the Giordana shorts I have purchased so far. They have a great chamois that works good for myself and the shoulder straps are very comfy and do not bind or twist when fitting them. I have not purchased a bad bib from this company yet but these do stand out from the collection I have presently.

Comment on kee101837986's review:

Great bibs - especially the chamois

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

After trying several different brands I decided that the Giordana Laser shorts are the only ones that work well for me. The chamois is comfortable for 100 miles plus, including extended climbs. The shorts hold up to repeated laundering well, and they fit great. I'm 6'4", about 165-170 lbs, and a size L fits me perfectly.

Comment on smip660449's review:

Very Pleased

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Fit:
True to size

The quality on these bib's is great. Very comfortable even for a new rider. I have washed them a few times on the delicate cycle and see no signs of wear. The chamois padding is very comfortable even for a new rider like myself. Don't think you can go wrong with these. Plus .... The shipping was quick and the order process simple.